BANTRY and Schull are the latest West Cork locations where homes and businesses have been connected to the National Broadband network.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) confirmed that high-speed fibre broadband is now available in Bantry and Schull – bringing the total homes, farms and businesses across the county connected to the network to 67,000.

NBI said the connection of Bantry and Schull means that almost 6,200 homes and businesses in the West Cork coastal town and village can now access high-speed fibre broadband.

Works have also been completed in rural areas around Carrigaline, and the network was recently rolled out on Beara Island.

The national plan is prioritising what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. This area includes 83,000 premises in Cork.

NBI has pledged to deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county including West Cork.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Cork will receive €314 million of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

NBI CEO TJ Malone said: ’Almost 6,200 Cork homes, businesses and farms near Bantry and Schull can now connect to NBI’s high-speed fibre broadband.

‘With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBI’s fibre network will ensure communities across Ireland are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

‘As we enter the final year of the national broadband plan rollout, we’re encouraging everyone in West Cork to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business.’